England legend Butcher to speak again to Barnsley over vacant post

Barnsley remained confident that they can persuade Terry Butcher to swap his heroics at Inverness Caledonian Thistle for a Championship survival mission.

The Yorkshire club, currently propping up England’s second tier, have been granted permission by the Inverness board to speak to Butcher over their managerial vacancy.

League One promotion contenders Doncaster Rovers have been linked with a rival interest in the former England captain, but are also thought to have St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas high on their wanted list to replace Dean Saunders, following the Welshman’s departure for Wolves.

Target: Barsnley want to speak to Terry Butcher about the vacant manager's job

Butcher has been at the family home he retains in England while the SPL enjoys a winter break.

He opened talks with Barnsley managing director Don Rowing yesterday and
is expected to hold more detailed discussions with their board and
owner Patrick Cryne over the next 24 hours.

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The 54-year-old ex-Rangers skipper has led the Highlanders to second
place in the SPL and a League Cup semi-final against Hearts later this
month.

Inverness chairman Kenny Cameron insisted ‘everything possible’ would be
done to try to retain Butcher, who is under contract until 2014. But
Alloa’s Paul Hartley could be among those considered as a potential
replacement.

‘We asked Inverness if we could approach Terry with a view to
interviewing for the position,’ said Rowing. ‘They kindly agreed to that
and we will agree a meeting over the next 48 hours.

‘I have spoken to Terry since talking with the Inverness chairman and he
has intimated his willingness to come to the meeting. We are now trying
to put a time on it that suits all parties.

‘It will certainly happen in the next 48 hours and, hopefully, a little sooner. We are looking to make a quick decision.

‘I think Terry was pleased with what he heard when he did speak to me.
But I think he needs to meet with my fellow directors and the owner to
see if he likes what he sees and hears. If he does, then I’m sure we can
get moving.’

It’s understood initial talks related only to Butcher himself, although
it is expected he would want assistant Maurice Malpas and scouting chief
Steve Marsella to join him at Oakwell.

Barnsley believe Butcher’s record of succes s on a shoestring budget is
precisely what they need to stay up after being turned down by former
Nottingham Forest boss Sean O’Driscoll.